This summer, I was lucky enough to be able to go on a family vacation to Hawaii. Of the eight main islands, we visited Hawai'i (the Big Island), Maui, and O'ahu- and it's safe to say that these places lived up to and passed our expectations. We went snorkeling, took a swim in at least ten different beaches, ate authentic Hawaiian food, and climbed some of the highest points of each island, all while enjoying breathtaking views and a relaxing atmosphere.
If you're planning on taking a trip to any of these three islands in Hawaii, you might want to do some planning ahead of time. Here are a couple activities you should do on each of these three islands:
The Big Island: Drive to Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
This beach is an ideal place to stop and take a swim and maybe some nice pictures, too. They have a designated area for sea turtles that like to come onto the shore every once in a while, and a little shack on the side that sells coconut water and other light snacks.
The Big Island: Night snorkeling with Manta Rays
If you're down for a little adventure, you should definitely try snorkeling at least once while you're on the islands. A boat will take you out to a certain area in the ocean where manta rays can be found- don't worry they're harmless- and you can go into the water and watch as they feed on plankton.
The Big Island: Stop at the Volcanoes National Park
Thankfully, none of the volcanoes are active, so you have little to worry about if you decide to hike in the Volcanoes National Park. The views are amazing and you get to learn a little bit about Hawaii's historical geography, too.
Maui: Road to Hana
This 64 mile drive is a long one, but it allows you to cover the most beautiful and exciting aspects of Maui. Along the way, you can stop at Twin Falls, Wai'anapanapa State Park, and the Pools of 'Ohe'o, where you can swim, hike, and enjoy some beautiful scenery.
Maui: Take a swim in Makena Beach
This beach is ideal for swimming, body surfing, and boogie boarding because the waves are active almost all day. The area itself is serene and not too overly crowded.
Maui: Hike in Haleakala Park
From this park, you can see the highest peak in Maui: Puʻu ʻUlaʻula, or Red Hill. The park also has multiple hiking trails ranging in distance, so if you're not super active, you can still have a good time.
O'ahu: Visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial
If you're a history buff or are a fan of museums in general, you're probably going to want to stop by the Pearl Harbor Memorial. The memorial does a great job of preserving history and honoring the thousands of people that lost their lives.
O'ahu: Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
If you're looking to do some shopping before you leave the island, definitely stop by at the swap meet. Hundreds of local shops sell a variety of Hawaii souvenirs like handmade goods, clothing, and jewelry, and you can usually buy them for a more reasonable price than the typical tourist shops that tend to be overpriced.
Regardless of where you decide to go in Hawaii, you're going to have a blast. Just remember to live in the moment and enjoy your surroundings.
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